lead play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead play" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to refer to a leading role in a play or a specific type of play, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "In the upcoming production, she will take on the lead role in the play."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I don't know how many things I asked him to do today, but he did all of them -- ballhandle, shoot, lead, play defense, inbound the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

"Making the decorations is great for us as playworkers as it really keeps the children occupied," said Sally Anne Pitt, 31, the lead play worker on the ward "We've been working on them for weeks.

Independent

According to the release, Costas "will host special original programming with an emphasis on the game's history and its most significant figures and topics, and serve as the lead play by play commentator for a select number of MLB Network's slate of 26 live regular season games".

Huffington Post

As part of a multi-year deal, MLB Network will be the exclusive cable home for Costas, who will host special original programming with an emphasis on the game's history and its most significant figures and topics, and serve as the lead play by play commentator for a select number of MLB Network's slate of 26 live regular season games.

Huffington Post

When playing Capture the Flag, if you have a point lead, play more defense, less offense.

WikiHow

If you take the lead, play a low card in the suit you are worried about to see if the missing high card gets played on a hand without points.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Miller is the lead play-by-play voice for the San Francisco Giants, calling games on radio and TV.

The New York Times

In 1976 at the baseball winter meetings, Mr. Niehaus was encouraged to interview for the lead play-by-play job with the expansion Mariners.

The New York Times - Sports

After a 24-year absence from calling local baseball, Dick Enberg will become the lead play-by-play voice of the San Diego Padres next season.

The New York Times

"That was quite something," Ian Darke, ESPN's lead play-by-play man for the World Cup, said, as tens of thousands of yellow-clad fans finished singing the Brazilian national anthem a cappella, on Thursday, before their beloved Seleção's début against Croatia.

The New Yorker

By Ben McGrath June 13 , 2014"That was quite something," Ian Darke, ESPN's lead play-by-play man for the World Cup, said, as tens of thousands of yellow-clad fans finished singing the Brazilian national anthem a cappella, on Thursday, before their beloved Seleção's début against Croatia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone who directs play or takes initiative, consider using stronger verbs like "lead", "direct", or "spearhead" for clarity and impact. If referring to a lead role in a play, consider the phrase "leading role".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "lead play" when clearer, more conventional alternatives exist. Using stronger and more direct language enhances readability and avoids potential confusion, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead play" functions primarily as a noun phrase, though its usage is not grammatically standard. Ludwig AI indicates that it may be an attempt to refer to a leading role or type of play but lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

31%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lead play" is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI and isn't a standard phrase in English. While it appears in various contexts like news, wikis, and scientific articles, its usage can be ambiguous. It's often intended to refer to a primary action or the act of directing, but this isn't clearly conveyed. For clearer communication, consider using alternatives such as "leading role", "take the initiative", or other more established phrases to express similar ideas. It is best to avoid this phrase in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading role

Focuses on the importance of a position or role within a specific play or other performance.

key performance

Highlights crucial performances or actions that are most important in some context.

primary action

Emphasizes an action of central importance to the context.

main performance

Refers to the principal performance in a show or event.

take the initiative

Suggests starting something first; relevant in contexts where someone begins or directs action.

dominant performance

Highlights a performance that is powerful and controlling.

orchestrate events

Implies skillfully arranging or directing events.

spearhead effort

Signifies leading a significant initiative or activity.

oversee action

Directing the action and managing its elements.

dictate tempo

Suggests being in control to establish tempo.

FAQs

How can I use the concept of "lead play" correctly?

While the phrase "lead play" isn't standard English, you can express similar ideas using phrases like "leading role" to describe a principal part in a performance, or use verbs like "lead" or "direct" to indicate guiding actions.

What are some alternatives to "lead play"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "lead play" include "take the initiative", "dominant performance", or "main performance".

Is "lead play" grammatically correct?

The phrase "lead play" is not correct. It is grammatically unconventional and may not be readily understood. It's better to use established phrases like "leading role" or rephrase for clarity.

What's the difference between "lead play" and "leading role"?

"Leading role" refers specifically to the main part in a play or performance. "Lead play", while not a standard phrase, could be an attempt to describe the act of directing or guiding a performance, but it lacks clarity. Use "leading role" for clarity when discussing a primary part in acting.